Daily Market Highlights (12.12.13)

  • The MSE Share Index eased 0.1% lower to 3,556.674 points as the declines in HSBC, Crimsonwing and Island Hotels offset the gains in Middlesea Insurance, MIA and RS2. Meanwhile a further four equities ended the session unchanged. Download a copy of the Equity Market Summary. Over the week, the local equity benchmark eased 0.2% mainly due to the drop in the two large banks’ equities.
  • On the bond market, the Rizzo Farrugia MGS Index remained practically unchanged at 1,019.749 points as Eurozone yields traded within a tight range around the 1.83% level with investors cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve meeting scheduled to be held next week.
  • During the last trading session during this shortened week, the share price of HSBC eased lower approaching its 2013 low of €2.45. A total of 18,720 shares changed hands today as the equity slipped by 0.8% to the €2.55 level. Today the Bank announced that its 2013 full-year results will be published on 24 February 2014.
  • A single deal of 100,000 Crimsonwing shares was executed at the €0.85 level representing a 3.4% drop from the previous closing price.
  • Likewise, a negative drop was registered in the share price of Island Hotels Group as it eased minimally lower to €0.899 on a trade of 40,000 shares.
  • On the other hand, MIA edged 0.4% higher to €2.09 on shallow volumes of 2,000 shares.
  • Low trading activity was also registered in RS2 Software shares with the IT equity edged 0.1% higher to close at the €2.282 level on volumes of 14,000 shares.
  • The only other equity in positive territory was Middlesea Insurance with a 1.7% rise to the €0.90 level on volumes of 6,000 shares.
  • Meanwhile, no change was registered in the share price of BOV at the €2.60 level across eight deals totalling 13,876 shares. The Bank is scheduled to hold its Annual General Meeting next Thursday 19 December.
  • Similarly, GO held on to the €1.685 level after the equity failed to hold on to a new 2013 high of €1.70. A total of 40,100 shares traded today. Forthnet today announced that the period for its shareholders to trade the rights entitlement has been extended from 18 December to 27 December. Meanwhile shareholders wishing to exercise their rights must do so by 3 January.
  • In the property sector, MIDI held on to the €0.27 level across two deals totalling 13,333 shares.
  • Tigné Mall maintained the €0.51 level on a deal of 40,000 shares.
  • No trading will be held tomorrow due to a public holiday. Trading will resume as from next Monday 16 December.